Long-Stay Visa France requirements: US guide

France's Long-Stay Visa allows Americans to live in the country for more than 90 days.¹ You can use this type of visa to move there for work, to join family, to study, or to retire.

However, figuring out which type of Long-Stay Visa in France you need and what documents you should gather to apply for it can become confusing pretty fast. For example, do you need to show that you have a certain amount of money in savings?

Here's what you need to know about applying for a Long-Stay visa to France from the US.

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Table of contents
Understanding the French Long-Stay Visa: what is it and why is it useful? Long-Stay Visa requirements for Americans Benefits of getting the Long-Stay Visa in France How to apply for the French Long-Stay Visa as an American: step-by-step guide Long-Stay Visa France Costs

Understanding the French Long-Stay Visa: what is it and why is it useful?

A Long-Stay Visa lets you enter France and stay for periods **longer than 90 days, up to one year.**¹

Americans can visit France for up to 90 days within any 180 days without a visa, but for anything beyond, you'll need an official authorization.²

France issues different types of Long-Stay Visas depending on your reason for moving. For example, working, studying, family reasons, and retiring all have different pathways and requirements, but all of them are Long-Stay Visas that essentially act as a residence permit.

You can typically renew your Long-Stay Visa for as long as you have a valid reason to stay in France.

What are the most common reasons people apply for the Long-Stay Visa?

Americans apply for French Long-Stay Visas for both personal and professional reasons, including:

• Employment with a French company
• Enrollment in a French university or educational institution
• Joining a spouse or family member
• Retirement or living in France without plans to work
• Starting a business
• Working as a self-employed professional
• Pursuing research or academic work at French institutions
• Internships lasting more than 3 months
• Working as an au pair
• Stay for medical care

In other words, the Long-Stay Visa is for anyone who wants to move to France, but your reason for applying shapes the requirements that you'll face during the application process. For example, student visas often need admission letters from French schools.

Long-Stay Visa requirements for Americans

Requirements can vary a lot based on which type of Long-Stay Visa you're applying for, but some documents apply across virtually all categories:

• A valid passport
• Completed French visa application
• Recent passport photos
• Health insurance that's valid in France
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself
• Clean criminal record

In addition to these basics, each visa category will have additional required documents. For example, if you want to start a business in France, you'll have to **"demonstrate the economic viability of your project."**³

You can check the requirements for your situation on the France-Visas website run by the French government. There's a short quiz that'll assess your reason for applying and explain what supporting documents you need to successfully get a new visa.

Benefits of getting the Long-Stay Visa in France

A French Long-Stay Visa gives you the legal status to live in France for up to one year, and you can usually continue to renew for most visa types.

Depending on your visa type, you'll be able to:

• Work
• Study
• Open a bank account
• Sign a rental agreement
• Move freely throughout the Schengen Area
• Bring your family members with you

That said, keep in mind that some Long-Stay Visitor Visas don't give you the right to work in France. For example, if you're looking to retire, the point is that you'll live off your Social Security and investments.

If you need to work to support yourself in France, you'll need a French employer to sponsor your visa or apply for a Long-Stay Visa that'll allow you to start a business in France.

How to apply for the French Long-Stay Visa as an American: step-by-step guide

1. Figure out which visa you need

You can get a Long-Stay Visa in France for multiple different reasons, including work, study, family reunification, and private purposes. Visit the France-Visas website and use their visa wizard tool to identify which category matches your situation.

2. Create your online application

Your French visa application starts on the France-Visas website. Create an account, complete the online form with accurate information, and upload digital copies of your supporting documents.

3. Upload your documents

Collect all required paperwork for your visa category.

Standard documents include your passport, photos, and health insurance, but you'll also likely need additional documents like employment contracts and proof of income or savings.

4. Schedule your appointment

Once your application is complete, you'll be able to book your visa appointment. Availability varies by location, so if you need to travel to France by a certain date, try to schedule early.

5. Go to your appointment

Arrive at your appointment with your complete application package, including original documents, copies, and translations. Staff will verify your documents, collect biometric data (fingerprints and photo), and start processing everything.

6. Collect your passport

You'll get tracking updates as your application moves through the system.

Once processed, you'll receive a notification that your passport is ready for pickup or has been mailed back to you, depending on the service you selected.

Long-Stay Visa France Costs

The standard Long-Stay Visa fee is 99 EUR.¹

You'll pay the visa fee when you submit your application, regardless of which visa category you choose. Keep in mind that this fee is non-refundable even if your application gets denied.

This is the only official Long-Stay Visa fee, but document preparation will add to your total. You'll need to translate all of your documents into French, which will cost you in fees.

FAQ

How do you qualify for a Long-Stay Visa in France?

It ultimately depends on your reason for wanting to live in France because each visa category has different criteria. For example, work visas require a job offer from a French employer, student visas need acceptance from a French educational institution, and visitor visas for retirees only get approved when you can show passive income or savings.

How much money do you need for a Long-Stay Visa in France?

It depends.

For example, if you're relocating because you're going to work for a French company, you likely won't need to show any savings or income beyond your salary. But if you want to live in France without working, you'll have to demonstrate enough monthly income from passive sources like pensions, investments, or rental properties.

Can I live in France permanently if I buy a house?

No, purchasing property in France doesn't give you residence rights. You still need to qualify for an appropriate Long-Stay Visa based on your circumstances, such as work, study, or family ties. But owning French property can indirectly strengthen your visa application because it demonstrates financial stability and proof of accommodation.

💡 Learn more about buying land in France and the property taxes.

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Getting a French Long-Stay Visa isn't always easy because there are multiple visa categories and different requirements depending on your situation. But many Americans successfully navigate the process and move to France for work, study, or personal reasons.

Once you're preparing to relocate, you'll need to think about managing your finances across the two countries. Moving money between the US and France, paying rent from a US account, or transferring savings all come with high fees and poor currency exchange rate markups.

You may lose 3% or even 5% of your total amount just converting from USD to EUR and vice versa.

This is why many American expats research better ways to transfer their money internationally. For example, you can try Wise.

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Sources

1. French Government - Fact sheet, long-stay visa
2. US Department of State - France
3. France-Visas - Self-employed person or liberal activity

Sources checked 03/17/2026